Tradies In Business

If you’ve ever felt like your brain’s a chaotic mix of too many ideas, unfinished tasks, and caffeine-fueled energy bursts, you’re not broken. You might just be wired differently. And that can be a massive advantage. Skye Waterson from Unconventional Organisation knows this first hand. Diagnosed with ADHD while completing her PhD, she’s since helped business owners across the world turn that chaos into clari...

Struggling to make sense of online marketing for your trade business? In this episode, Nic chats with Brandon Willington, from Where U, who breaks down his no-fluff approach to digital marketing using his 3Cs method—Clicks, Conversion, and Conversation. From setting up ads on Meta and Google to building landing pages that actually convert, Brandon shares practical tips for tradies who want real results without wasting cash. T...

Running a niche trade business comes with its own set of challenges, and Dan Boscolo from Timeless Staircases knows this firsthand. From starting as an apprentice to leading his own stair-building business, Dan shares how he grew his business while staying true to his craft. He also shares how support from the TIB community helped him tackle cash flow issues and why keeping his passion for skateboarding alive has been key to his wo...

Leadership can be tricky for trade business owners trying to guide their teams. Nic chats with Dani Ferrier, founder of Lead Like a Legend, about how to tackle leadership and tough conversations in the workplace. With years of experience in hospitality and wilderness guiding across 8 countries, Dani brings a fresh take on communication and leadership as she explains why we often avoid difficult conversations and shares her “P...

In just on 5 years a couple of chippy mates, Ed Ross and Dan Allen, have built a small empire in the workwear space. Perhaps more impressively, they've also set up and run their own mental health organisation that delivers free counselling and support to blue collar workers around the country. With more than $700,000 of free counselling services rolled out to over 4,000 tradies through their not-for-profit, TIACS (This Is A Convers...

This instalment of Real Tradie Guys is a cracker. Not only is our guest a Kiwi, a heavy diesel fitter, a West Australian and a TiB Tradiepreneur... he's also a competitive wood chopper! Ben started his business recently like so many other tradies, after deciding he wanted the freedom, flexibility and financial rewards of being self employed. Ben has done things different to many though and he shares his secrets to being profitable ...

Amii Jones epitomises many 'tradie wives'. She's incredibly humble about her role in her family and business and tends to understate how much she contributes to the smooth running of both. We had a fantastic chat to one of our rock star Drawing Board members about how she's managed to 'feel the fear and do it anyway', influence her husband to make positive change, overcome her self-doubt, harness her strengths, embrace the title of...

As the year rushes toward its end, Waz & Nic chat about the power of timing and how it plays a key role in business and life. With the holiday season fast approaching, they share insights into why waiting for the “perfect moment” often leaves you further behind. Whether it’s team morale, client relationships, or your own wellbeing, they explore how doing nothing can lead to bigger challenges.  If you’re feeling the pressure or ...

If you’ve ever thought about bringing an apprentice on board but felt a bit lost in the process, you're not alone. Jeff Cooke from Apprenticeship Support Australia is here to clear up the confusion and myths around hiring apprentices. He breaks down the process, addressing common concerns like the initial learning curve, wages, and legalities, and provides clarity on the evolving financial incentives. Jeff’s advice makes it easy to...

Looking to buy a home but feeling blocked by strict bank requirements? Ryan Gair, founder of Rate Money, shares how his team helps self-employed tradies overcome the obstacles banks often set. Ryan reveals why traditional banks’ rigid loan requirements can be tough for people with variable incomes and explains how Rate Money’s tailoured lending solutions, like low doc loans, are designed to meet the unique needs of self-employed bo...

As the holiday season approaches, trade business owners face the challenge of avoiding the dreaded Christmas hangover. In part 2 of this Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic shares how to keep your marketing game strong amid the pre-Christmas rush. Discover the importance of staying connected with clients through emails and social media while others may go quiet. Plus, learn simple strategies to keep you top-of-mind, especially in i...

Christmas is around the corner, and with it comes the typical chaos that can catch trade business owners off guard. In this first part of the Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic share some practical tips to help you prepare for the rush and avoid common pitfalls, like cash flow gaps that hit hard in the new year. From handling last-minute jobs to creating a cash flow forecast that actually works, there are valuable strategies to ke...

Ever faced issues because you didn’t have a written agreement with your clients? Alex Solo from Sprintlaw shares practical tips on securing your business structure, locking in key contracts, and protecting your brand name from the start. He talks about how clear, written contracts can save you from headaches down the line—whether it's dealing with non-paying clients or unfinished jobs. Alex encourages business owners to be proactiv...

How do you balance growing a trade business with family life and long-term goals? Rhys and Renee from Functional Air Conditioning QLD share their story of building a successful business while juggling the demands of parenting and personal aspirations. They talk about the importance of getting the right advice early, avoiding bad habits, and how hiring additional support transformed their work-life balance. Plus, they reveal the har...